LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) celebrated and honored foster parents from across the state on July 20 at a banquet at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.

As part of that celebration, the agency selected Russ and Tenille Rauls of Mountain Home as the 2018 North Central Arkansas Foster Parents of the Year.

DCFS Director Mischa Martin said the Rauls family was selected primarily because they have embraced their role as a “reunification partner” and work closely with the biological families of the children in their care.

“Russ and Tenille are amazing foster parents and pour all their energy into their children,” said Martin. “In addition to their commitment to helping reunify foster children with their families, the Rauls have made a name for themselves through their willingness to be ambassadors and powerful voices for foster parenting.”

Russ and Tenille are proud parents of three children and are set to adopt a fourth child soon. They also help co-parent a former foster child alongside his father, both of whom they consider a part of their family.

The Rauls were humbled by the award but proud to accept it on behalf of the 15 children and families who have touched their lives over the past five years that they have been foster parents.

“Many, many are more deserving of this award,” said Tenille. “We are just doing what we feel called to do. We are thankful we get to open our home to some amazing children and their families. Fostering has definitely changed our lives for the better in so many ways.”

Russ agreed that those family connections are so important and shared a quick story.

“We are in the process of building a home. Two weeks ago one of the painters stopped me and told me how we had helped raise his son when he couldn’t and how thankful he was," he said. "He shared what an impact our family had had on him and his son. I know it is rare to have these opportunities and I’m grateful God allowed us to experience it.”

DCFS is responsible for the safety of children and youth in the state and has over 4,000 children in foster care. Most of those children are placed in home settings with foster families. The state is divided into 10 service areas, and nominations for outstanding foster families were submitted from each area by family service workers, fellow foster parents, and child advocates.

One winner from each area was chosen by DHS/DCFS staff based on several criteria, including years of service to fostering, efforts to reunify children with biological families, partnership with the agency, support for other foster parents, and advocacy for the children in their care.

Area winners

1. James and Tina Stewart

2. Laquita Wellborn

3. Warren and Jan Parks

4. Jeremy and Brooke Hargis

5. Russ and Tenille Rauls

6. Dan and Stacie Herrington

7. Judith and James Sullivan

8. Jeff and Deanndra Whitaker

9. Casey and Felicia Stone

10. Alexander and Rhoda Horner

For more information about the foster care system in Arkansas or to begin the application process to become a foster family, visit www.FosterArkansas.org.